Rumford Center

East Providence, RI

Client

Program

Mixed-use adaptive reuse of historic brownfield site into 10-building, 271,000 SF community featuring boutique retail and restaurant space, offices, and 88 apartments.

Challenge

Reconnect this former hub of activity with the vibrant composition of East Providence. Restore buildings in various states of decay under the guidance of the RI Historical Preservation and Heritage Committee to retain as much of the original historic fabric as possible.

Solution

Reposition historic buildings to reconnect with the community they once anchored through extensive brownfield site remediation, landscaping, and a holistic approach meeting current aesthetic, economic and community goals. Adhere to state and federal preservation guidelines to return buildings to their historic, original form using original window and door profiles, historically referential interiors, and durable building materials like heavy timber/masonry, wood frame/clapboard, and cedar shingle construction.

Result

Opened in 2009, the project attracted tenants ranging from a small local bakery to a major financial institution. Captured 2009 Rhode Island State Preservation Award, where it was cited as a “particularly high quality rehabilitation.”

Awards

Outstanding Smart Growth Project, 2013
 Grow Smart Rhode Island 

Project of the Year, 2012
 Northeastern Economic Development Association

Historic Preservation Project  Award, 2010
 Rhode Island State Preservation & Heritage Commission 